AT for Individuals Who are Deaf-Blind

Estimates suggest that the total population of individuals who are deaf-blind to be somewhere between 40,000 to upwards of 70,000. There is much variety in functional ability among those identified as deaf-blind. For example, some individuals may have enough vision to be able to move about in their environment and even read large print. Others may have enough hearing to recognize familiar sounds, or understand speech. Depending on the degree of the disability, individuals who are deaf-blind may communicate through methods such as facial expressions, gestures, signs, touch, communication boards, and/or other communication technologies.